Finite Element Method

Institut Gramme LIEGE January 2010
Dr. Ir. P. BOERAEVE

Charg de cours

Introduction To The
Finite Element Method
(FEM)
P. Boeraeve The Finite Element Method page 2
Contents of this chapter :
CHAPITRE 1. THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD............................................................................4
1.1 SEVEN STEPS IN THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD............................................................................4
1.1.1 STEP 1 - IDEALIZATION...............................................................................................................4
1.1.2 STEP 2 - DISCRETIZATION ..........................................................................................................5
1.1.3 STEP 3 - CHOICE OF THE TYPE OF ELEMENT...............................................................................5
1.1.4 STEP 4 - ASSEMBLY OF THE DISCRETE ELEMENTS ......................................................................6
1.1.5 STEP 5 - APPLICATION OF BOUNDARY CONDITIONS....................................................................6
1.1.6 STEP 6 - SOLVE FOR PRIMARY UNKNOWNS................................................................................6
1.1.7 STEP 7 - CALCULATE DERIVED VARIABLES.................................................................................6
1.2 PHYSICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE FEM.....................................................................................6
1.3 ILLUSTRATION OF THE FEM THEORY WITH THE 2 NODES BAR ELEMENT.........................................6
1.3.1 INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................6
1.3.2 VIRTUAL WORK PRINCIPLE.........................................................................................................7
1.3.3 EXAMPLE : HANGING CYLINDRICAL BAR LOADED BY ITS OWN WEIGHT........................................11
1.3.4 NODAL EXACTNESS............................................................................................................17
1.3.5 LOCAL AXES GLOBAL AXES TRANSFORMATION MATRIX.......................................................19
1.3.6 CONCLUSIONS .........................................................................................................................21
CHAPITRE 2. THE 2-NODES BEAM ELEMENT..........................................................................23
2.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................23
2.2 WHAT IS A BEAM? .....................................................................................................................23
2.3 MATHEMATICAL MODELS............................................................................................................23
2.3.1 BERNOULLI-EULER BEAM MODEL.............................................................................................23
2.3.2 TIMOSHENKO BEAM MODEL .....................................................................................................23
2.4 DISPLACEMENT FIELD IN A BEAM.................................................................................................23
2.5 SIMPLIFIED BERNOULLI-EULER BEAM ELEMENT. ........................................................................24
2.5.1 KINEMATICS.............................................................................................................................24
2.5.2 SHAPE FUNCTIONS...................................................................................................................25
2.5.3 STRAINS ..................................................................................................................................27
2.5.4 STIFFNESS MATRIX..................................................................................................................28
2.5.5 WORK-EQUIVALENT FORCES ....................................................................................................28
2.5.6 COMPLETE PLANE BEAM ELEMENT ..........................................................................................29
2.5.7 LOCAL AXES GLOBAL AXES TRANSFORMATION MATRIX......................................................29
2.6 SPATIAL BEAM (3D)....................................................................................................................30
2.7 CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................30
CHAPITRE 3. DIMENSIONAL REDUCTION.................................................................................32
3.1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................32
3.2 REDUCING FROM 3D SOLID TO LINE (3D TO 1D)..........................................................................32
3.3 REDUCING FROM 3D TO A PLANAR (2D) ANALYSIS .....................................................................32
3.3.1 PLANE STRESS ........................................................................................................................32
3.3.2 PLANE STRAIN.........................................................................................................................33
3.3.3 AXISYMMETRIC ........................................................................................................................34
3.3.4 2D FINITE ELEMENTS...............................................................................................................34
3.4 COMBINATION OF ELEMENT TYPES..............................................................................................36
CHAPITRE 4. MEMBRANE ELEMENTS.......................................................................................37
4.1 DISPLACEMENT-STRAIN RELATION.............................................................................................37
4.2 THE THREE NODES TRIANGLE MEMBRANE ELEMENT T3.............................................................37
4.2.1 DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................................37
4.2.2 STRAINS ..................................................................................................................................37
4.2.3 SHAPE FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................................................38
4.2.4 CONCLUSIONS .........................................................................................................................39
4.3 THE SIX NODES TRIANGLE MEMBRANE ELEMENT T6..................................................................39
4.3.1 DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................................39
4.3.2 STRAINS ..................................................................................................................................39
4.3.3 SHAPE FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................................................40
4.3.4 CONCLUSIONS .........................................................................................................................41
4.4 THE FOUR NODES QUADRILATERAL MEMBRANE ELEMENT Q4 ..................................................42
4.4.1 DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................................42
4.4.2 STRAINS ..................................................................................................................................42
4.4.3 SHAPE FUNCTIONS...................................................................................................................42
4.4.4 ELEMENT STIFFNESS................................................................................................................44
4.5 THE Q6 "INCOMPATIBLE" FINITE ELEMENT.................................................................................45
4.6 THE HEIGHT NODES QUADRILATERAL MEMBRANE ELEMENT Q8 ...............................................45
4.6.1 DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................................45
4.6.2 STRAINS ..................................................................................................................................46
4.6.3 SHAPE FUNCTIONS...................................................................................................................46
4.7 THE NINE NODES QUADRILATERAL MEMBRANE ELEMENT Q9 ...................................................49
4.7.1 DESCRIPTION...........................................................................................................................49
4.7.2 STRAINS ..................................................................................................................................49
4.7.3 SHAPE FUNCTIONS ..................................................................................................................50
CHAPITRE 5. ISO-PARAMETRIC ELEMENTS AND NUMERICAL INTEGRATION..................54
5.1 ISO-PARAMETRIC ELEMENTS ......................................................................................................54
5.2 NUMERICAL INTEGRATION...........................................................................................................56
5.2.1 1D INTEGRATION......................................................................................................................56
5.2.2 CONCLUSION ...........................................................................................................................57
5.2.3 2D AND 3D INTEGRATION.........................................................................................................57
5.2.4 CHOICE OF QUADRATURE RULE. INSTABILITIES........................................................................58
5.2.5 EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................58
CHAPITRE 6. 3D SOLIDS AND SOLIDS OF REVOLUTION.......................................................59
6.1 3D SOLIDS..................................................................................................................................59
6.1.1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................59
6.1.2 STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONS :...................................................................................................59
6.1.3 INTERPOLATION OF THE DISPLACEMENTS WITHIN AN ELEMENT (SHAPE FUNCTIONS) .................60
6.1.4 STRAIN-DISPLACEMENT RELATIONS : .......................................................................................60
6.1.5 STIFFNESS MATRIX CALCULATION............................................................................................60
6.1.6 SOLID FINITE ELEMENTS ..........................................................................................................60
6.1.7 EXAMPLE OF THE CONSTANT STRAIN TETRAHEDRON...............................................................61
6.2 SOLIDS OF REVOLUTION.............................................................................................................62
6.2.1 STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONS :...................................................................................................62
6.2.2 STRAIN-DISPLACEMENT RELATIONS.........................................................................................62
6.2.3 EXAMPLE OF THE T3 AXISYMMETRIC ELEMENT .........................................................................63
6.2.4 EXERCISE 7-1..........................................................................................................................63
6.2.5 EXERCISE 7-2..........................................................................................................................64
6.2.6 EXERCISE 7-3..........................................................................................................................64
CHAPITRE 7. PLATES AND SHELLS..........................................................................................65
7.1 PLATE ELEMENTS.......................................................................................................................65
7.1.1 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................65
7.1.2 THIN-PLATE (KIRCHHOFF) THEORY. .........................................................................................65
7.1.3 DEGREES OF FREEDOM: ..........................................................................................................66
7.1.4 DISPLACEMENT FIELD...............................................................................................................66
7.1.5 THICK-PLATE (MINDLIN) THEORY .............................................................................................67
7.2 SHELL ELEMENTS.......................................................................................................................68
7.2.1 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................68
7.2.2 SHELL ELEMENTS. ...................................................................................................................68

Chapitre 1. The Finite Element Method
1.1 Seven Steps in the Finite Element Method
1.1.1 Step 1 - Idealization
1

The "real" problem is idealized : assumptions are made to simplify the problem :
by reducing the dimensions (see below) (all real problems are 3D, but may be idealized
with1D, 2D or 3D models),
by idealizing the support conditions,
by suppressing details, such as small holes and fillets, that are insignificant from the analysis
point of view, but which complicate matters during mesh
2
generation.
This step can be dramatically important if the assumptions are not correct !

Examples :

1.This 3D part can be idealized by 2D elements (plates
3
) or 3D solid elements
4
.

Figure 1 : Idealization

2. The roof truss
5
of the figure 2 can be idealized with 1D members :

1
modlisation
2
Le maillage
3
Plaques
4
Elments volumiques
5
Charpente en treillis
a) bars with hinges
6
at the extremities
b) beams with rigid joints
7
at the extremities

The choice between a) and b) idealizations depend on how the real structure is realized : are the
joints able to transmit moments? (Riveted
8
or bolted
9
joints are usually idealized by hinges, while
welded joints may be idealized by rigid joints).

Figure 2 : Idealization of a roof truss

1.1.2 Step 2 - Discretization
The problem domain is discretized into a collection of simple shapes, or elements.
In the figure 1 above, the 3D idealization shows the discretization in many tetrahedral solid
elements.
1.1.3 Step 3 - Choice of the type of element
The software available on the market offer a lot different types of elements :

Figure 3 : Typical nite element geometries

6
rotules
7
assemblages
8
rivets
9
boulonns
The results can be very different from one type to another. This is due to the theory hidden behind
those elements. We will see, in this course, the theory of the main types of elements.
1.1.4 Step 4 - Assembly
10
of the discrete elements
The element equations for each element in the FEM mesh are assembled into a set of global
equations that model the properties of the entire system.
1.1.5 Step 5 - Application of Boundary Conditions
11

Solution cannot be obtained unless boundary conditions are applied. They reflect the known values
for certain primary unknowns. Imposing the boundary conditions modifies the global equations.
1.1.6 Step 6 - Solve for Primary Unknowns
The modified global equations are solved for the primary unknowns at the nodes.
1.1.7 Step 7 - Calculate Derived Variables
Calculated using the nodal values of the primary variables.

1.2 Physical Interpretation of the FEM
The basic concept in the physical interpretation is the breakdown (disassembly, tearing, partition,
separation, decomposition) of a complex mechanical system into simpler, disjoint components
called nite elements, or simply elements.

The mechanical response of an element is characterized in terms of a nite number of degrees of
freedom. These degrees of freedoms are represented as the values of the unknown functions at a
set of node points (displacements, temperature, flow)

The response of the original system is considered to be approximated by that of the discrete model
constructed by connecting or assembling the collection of all elements.

1.3 Illustration of the FEM theory with the 2 nodes bar element.
1.3.1 Introduction
The simplest finite element is the 2 nodes bar element. It has 2 extremities, called "nodes" by which
it can be connected to other finite elements or supports, and can only shorten or extend, that means
that the unknowns at the nodes are the axial displacements u
1
and u
2
. These are called the degrees of
freedom of the element.
It has a cross-section
12
A and a length L.
We will here consider the case of an external distributed loads (axial load per unit length) q(x).

10
Assemblage
11
Conditions aux limites
12
Section droite
x
u
1 2
u
1
q(x)
L
u
2
u
1
u(x)
u
2

Figure 4 : 2-nodes bar element
1.3.2 Virtual Work Principle
The external work done by the forces q(x) is stored in the solid as (internal) strain energy W
I
:
1.3.2.a)Strain energy :
In Mechanics of Materials it is shown that the strain energy density at a point of a linear-elastic
material subjected to a one-dimensional state of stress and strain is

1
. .
2
U = ,

Total Strain Energy Integrated on the total volume V of the bar :

1
. . .
2
I
V
W dV =

As =E. is constant over the section A of the bar, and dV=A.dx :

1 1
. . . . . . . .
2 2
I
V L
W dV E Adx = =

And the strain and displacements are linked by the relation :

( ) ( )
d
x u x
dx
=

The real variation of u(x) along the bar is not known. Instead, we will interpolate the value of u(x)
from the values of the displacements at the nodes : u
1
and u
2
:

1 1 2 2
( ) ( ). ( ). u x N x u N x u = +

where N
1
(x) and N
2
(x) are called shape functions
13
.

From this last equation, it can be seen that :
N
1
(x)=1 and N
2
(x)=0 at x=0, in order to have
1
(0) u u =
N
1
(x)=0 and N
2
(x)=1 at x=L, in order to have
2
( ) u L u =
1.3.2.b)The shape functions

For a two node bar element the only possible variation of the displacement u(x) is linear, and
expressed by the interpolation formula :

1 2
( ) . .
L x x
u x u u
L L
= + .

That means that the shape functions are :

L
x L
N

=
1
and
L
x
N =
2
.

This can be written as a scalar product of 2 vectors :
{ }
1
2
( ) , . .
u
L x x
u x N U
u L L

=< > = < >
`
)

where :
{} represents a column vector,
<> represents a line vector,
{U} is the nodal displacement vector.
<N> is the shape function vector
1.3.2.c)Strain
{ } ( ) ( ) .
d d
x u x N U
dx dx
(
= = < >
(

= { }
1 1
, . U
L L
< >

Finally : { } ( ) . x B U = < > = { } . U B < > (1)

where :
<B>=
d
N
dx
< > is called the Strain-Displacement Matrix
1.3.2.d)External work
The external work of q(x) applied on a infinitesimal length dx, at the distance x is ( ). . ( ) q x dx u x
The total external work on the length L is :

13
Fonctions d'interpolation
( ). ( ).
E
L
W q x u x dx =

1.3.2.e)Total Potential Energy

E I
W W =
1.3.2.f)Virtual Work Principle
The total work done by all forces acting on a system in static equilibrium is zero for any
infinitesimal virtual displacement field u , kinematically admissible (compatible with the support
conditions).

Then 0 = =
E I
W W
With
1
. [ . . . . ]. . . . . .
2
I
L L
W E E Adx E Adx = + =

and

( ). ( ).
E
L
W q x u x dx =

Thus,

. . . . ( ). ( ).
L L
E Adx q x u x dx =

(2)

Substituting (1) in (2) gives :

{ } { } . . . . . .
L
U A E B B U dx < > < >
= { } . . .
x
L
U q N dx < >

where U < > is a vector of nodal virtual displacements.

Thus { } { } . . . . .
L
AE B B dx U < >
= { }
L
x
dx N q . .

This can be written

[ ] { } { } . K U F =

Where: [K]= { } . . . .
L
AE B B dx < >
is the element stiffness matrix

14
,

{U} is the nodal displacement vector,

{F} = { }
L
x
dx N q . . the work-equivalent nodal force vector (the nodal forces {F}
produce the same external work as the distributed load q(x).

1.3.2.g)Stiffness Matrix :

[ ]

)
`
=
L
dx
L L
L
L
E A K .
1
,
1
.
1
1
. .

dx
L L
L L
E A
L
.
1 1
1 1
. .
2 2
2 2
(
(
(
=

(
=
L
dx
L
A E
.
1 1
1 1
.
.
2

(
=
1 1
1 1
.
.
L
A E

1.3.2.h)Work-equivalent nodal force vector {F}

E
W { } { }
=
L
x
dx N q F . .

=
L
x
dx
L
x
L
x L
q . .

14
Matrice de rigidit

1
2
.
2
. .
.
2
L
x x
L
L x
L
dx
L F
q q
F x L
dx
L

= =
` ` `
)

)
)

1.3.3 Example : Hanging cylindrical bar loaded by its own weight.

Figure 5
1.3.3.a)Analytical solution :
Stress in a cross-section at a distance x

The stress is equal to the weight of the bar below that point divided by the area of the cross-section
at that point.

Thus : ( ) ( ) . . x g h x =

and the stress varies linearly along the bar
displacement in a cross-section at a distance x :

dx
du
= and
E
=

( )
. du g
h x
dx E E

= = =

. .
( ) . .
2
g x x
u x dx cste h
E E
(
= + =
(

in 0 = x , we have : (0) 0 u =

in h x = , we have :
2
( ) . .
2.
h
u h g
E
=

h

x
in
2
h
x = , we have :
2
3. . .
2 8.
h g h
u
E
| |
=
|
\

1.3.3.b)Finite Element Method with one element :

[ ] { } { } . K U F =

[ ]
1 1
.
.
1 1
E A
K
h
(
=
(

{ }
1
2
u
U
u

=
`
)

{ }
2
. . .
2
h
F g A
h

=
`

)
(because q
x
= =*g*A )

1
2
1 1
.
2
. . . . .
1 1
2
h
u
E A
g A
u h h

(
=
` `
(
)

)

Solution
The system cannot be solved because the determinant of the matrix is zero. This is due to the fact
that we haven't taken into account the boundary conditions and the bar is free to move as a rigid
body. The FEM software, in such a case, display an error message like "Instability at node xxx".
That means that the model is unsupported or inadequately supported.

The boundary condition here is that :
the displacement at node 1, u
1
, is equal to zero,
at node 1, there is a external reaction force R. That force, like any other external nodal force,
must appear in the force vector {F}

To summarize : the force vector {F} is the sum of:
- the external nodal forces vector
- the work-equivalent nodal forces vector
- the reactions vector
-
Thus
2
. . .
0 1 1
.
2
. .
1 1
. . .
2
h
g A R
E A
u h h
g A

+

(
=
` `
(
)

)

The second line gives directly u
2

2
.
. . . .
2
E A h
u g A
h
=
2
. . . .
2 .
h h
u g A
E A
=
2
2
. .
2.
g h
u
E
=

The first line gives the reaction R :

The reaction is negative, because opposite to the direction of x in the element.

Displacements along the bar
The formula
} d { N ) x ( u > =<
found above allows the determination of the values of de
displacement in x=h/2 et x=h
in x=h/2:
( )
1
1 1 2 2 1 2
2
. . , .
u
u x u N u N N N
u

= + =< >
`
)

( )
1
2
1 , .
u
x x
u x
u h h

=< >
`
)

2
0
1 1
1 , .
2 2 2
h
u
u

| |
=< >
`
|
\
)

2
. .
( )
2 4.
h g h
u
E
=

Stresses
Now let us deduce from
( )
( ) . ( ) .
du x
x E x E
dx
= = the value of in x=h/2 and x=h
2
2
.
. . . .
2
. . .
. . . . . .
2. 2
E A h
u g A R
h
E A g h h
R g A g Ah
h E

= +
= =
1
2
( ) 1 1
( ) . ( ) . . , .
u
du x
x E x E E
u dx h h

= = = < >
`
)

As u
1
is equal to zero, one has :

2
2
1 . . . .
( ) . . .
2. 2
u g h g h
x E E
h h E

= = =
. .
( )
2
g h
x

= at any point in the
element !

1.3.3.c)Finite Element Method with two elements

Figure 6
Element 1 :

[ ]
(
=
(
=
1 1
1 1
.
. . 2
1 1
1 1
.
.
1
h
A E
L
A E
K

{ }
1
2
u
U
u

=
`
)

{ }
1
1
2 4
. . . . . .
4 2
L h
F g A g A
L h

= =
` `

) )

Element 2 :

[ ]
(
=
(
=
1 1
1 1
.
. . 2
1 1
1 1
.
.
2
h
A E
L
A E
K

{ }
2
3
u
U
u

=
`
)

1
2
h

{ }
2 4
. . . . . .
2 4
L h
F g A g A
L h

= =
` `

) )

Elements 1+2 :
The next figure shows both elements with their work-equivalent nodal forces and reactions.
1 2
h/2
u
2
u
3
.g.A.h/4
R
.g.A.h/4
.g.A.h/4 .g.A.h/4

Node 2 is common to both elements : there is a work-equivalent nodal force coming from each
element.
Node 1 has a work-equivalent force AND a reaction.

The global stiffness matrix is assembled from the elemental matrices. The displacement vector
contains all the degrees of freedom (the displacements) of the whole structure.

2
3
. . .
4
1 1 0 0
2. .
. 1 1 1 1 . . . . . . .
4 4
0 1 1
. . .
4
h
g A R
E A h h
u g A g A
h
u
h
g A

+

(

(
+ = +
` `
(

(
)

)

As u
1
= 0, the system reduces to

2
3
2 1 2
2. .
. . . . . .
1 1 1 4
u
E A h
g A
u h

(
=
` `
(
) )

( )
( )
2 3
2 3
2. .
. 2. . . .
2
2. .
. . . .
4
E A h
u u g A
h
E A h
u u g A
h
+ =

If we add these two equations, member to member, we obtain :

( )
2 3 2 3
2. . 1 1
. 2. . . . .
2 4
E A
u u u u g Ah
h

| |
+ = +
|
\

2
2. . 3
. . . . .
4
E A
u g Ah
h
=

2
3
. . . . .
4 2. .
h
u g Ah
E A
=

2
2
3 . .
8.
g h
u
E
=

Substituting that value in the first equation of the reduced system, we obtain :

2
3
2. . 3 . . 2. .
.2. . . . . .
8 2
E A g h E A h
u g A
h E h
=

3
2. . 3
. . . . . . . .
2 2
E A h
u g Ah g A
h
=

2
3
. .
2.
g h
u
E
=

Stresses
element 1 :

1
1
2
1 1
. . . , .
2 2
u
du
E E E
h h
u dx

= = = < >
`
)

As u
1
= 0, we obtain :


2
1 2
2. 2. 3 . .
. . .
8
E E g h
u
h h E
= =

1
3
. . .
4
g h =

element 2 :

2
2
3
1 1
. . . , .
2 2
u
du
E E E
h h
u dx

= = = < >
`
)

2 2 3
2. 2.
. .
E E
u u
h h
= +

2 2
2
2. 3 . . 2. . . 3
. . . . . . . .
8 2. 4
E g h E g h
g h g h
h E h E

= + = +

2
1
. . .
4
g h =

1.3.4 NODAL EXACTNESS
Suppose that the following three conditions are satised:
1. The bar properties are constant along the length (prismatic member).
2. The distributed load q(x) is zero between nodes.
3. The only applied loads are point forces applied at the nodes.
If so, a linear axial displacement u(x) as dened by the shape functions of the 2-nodes bar element
is the exact solution over each element because constant strain and stress satisfy, element by
element, all of the governing equations.

It follows that if the foregoing conditions are veried, the FEM solution is exact; that is, it agrees
with the analytical solution of the mathematical model.

Adding extra elements and nodes would not change the solution. In truss discretizations, one
element per member is sufcient if the members are prismatic and the only loads are applied at the
joints.

Such FEM models are called nodally exact.

What happens if the foregoing assumptions are not met? Exactness is then generally lost, and
several elements per member may be benecial.

For an innite one-dimensional lattice of equal-length 2-node bar elements, however, an interesting
result is that the solution is nodally exact for any loading if consistent node forces are correctly
computed.
This result underlies the importance of computing node forces correctly.

1.3.5 Local axes Global axes Transformation Matrix
What happens if the bars are not all oriented in a same direction (example in a truss structure) ?
In this case, we need to refer to a global system of coordinates defined by a set of Global Axes.
Y
G
1
2
u 1
L
u 2
L
X
G
y L
x L
u
1G
v
1G

1.3.5.a)Global displacements
u
1G
= displacement of node 1 following Global Axis X
G

v
1G
= displacement of node 1 following Global Axis Y
G
u
2G
= displacement of node 2 following Global Axis X
G

v
2G
= displacement of node 2 following Global Axis Y
G

1.3.5.b)Local displacements
Displacement of node 1 following the Local Axis x
L
:
1 1 1
.cos .sin
L G G
u u v = +
And similarly for node 2 :
2 2 2
.cos .sin
L G G
u u v = +

To simplify, we write :

Thus :
1
2 1
1 2
2
0 0
.
0 0
G
G L
G L
G
u
u u c s
v u c s
v

(
=
` `
(
)

)
(3)
(We choose to structure the vector {U
G
} in such a way that the nodal displacements in the X
G
-
direction are in the top half of {U
G
} and the nodal displacements in the Y
G
-direction are in the
lower half of {U
G
}.)
The matrix : [ ]
0 0
0 0
c s
T
c s
(
=
(

is called the Transformation Matrix
15
.
We can now write (3) in the form :

{ } [ ] { } .
L G
U T U = (4)

15
Matrice de rotation
c = cos
s = sin

with{ }
G
U = Global Nodal Displacement Vector

Remark :
The 2 nodes Bar Element has 2 Degrees of Freedom
16
(DOF) in local axes
1
2
L
L
u
u

`
)
but 4 DOF in
global axes
1
2
1
2
G
G
G
G
u
u
v
v

`

)
.

1.3.5.c)Global Nodal Forces
Y
G
1
2
F 1
L
X
G
y
L
x
L
H
1G
V
1G

H
1G
= Component of the force acting on node 1 following Global Axis X
G

V
1G
= Component of the force acting on node 1 following Global Axis Y
G

H
2G
= Component of the force acting on node 2 following Global Axis X
G

V
2G
= Component of the force acting on node 2 following Global Axis Y
G

1.3.5.d)Local Nodal Forces

1 1 1
.cos .sin
L G G
F H V = + , and similarly for node 2 :
2 2 2
.cos .sin
L G G
F H V = +

We obtain :

1
2 1
1 2
2
0 0
.
0 0
G
G L
G L
G
H
H F c s
V F c s
V

(
=
` `
(
)

)
(5)
(Because of the structure of the vector U, the global nodal Forces in the X
G
-direction are in the top
half of {F
G
} and the global nodal Forces in the Y
G
-direction are in the lower half of {F
G
}.)

16
Degr de libert (nom gnrique donn une inconnue nodale dans la mthode des Elments Finis)

We can now write (5) in the form :

{ } [ ] { } .
L G
F T F = (6)

At the local level we had :

[ ] { } { } .
L L L
K U F = Where [ ]
L
K =Local Stiffness Matrix
Replacing eq. (4) and (6) into that equation, gives :

[ ] [ ] { } [ ] { } . . .
L G G
K T U T F = (7)

To obtain a formulation like [ ] { } { } .
G G G
K U F = we will pre-multiply both members of (7) by
[ ]
T
T
(=transpose matrix of [T]).

[ ] [ ] [ ] { } [ ] [ ] { } . . . . .
T T
L G G
T K T U T T F =

Thus, finally : [ ] { } { } .
G G G
K U F =

Where :
the global stiffness matrix = [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] . .
T
G L
K T K T =

[ ] [ ] = T T
T
.
identity matrix because T is orthogonal.

1.3.5.e)Computation of stresses

At 2.3.2.c) equ.(1) gave us, the strains in local axes :
{ } ( ) .
L
x B U = < >
Thus [ ] { } ( ) . .
G
x B T U = < >
And the stresses (in local axes): [ ] { } ( ) . . .
G
x E B T U = < > .

1.3.6 Conclusions
In a 2-nodes bar element, the strains (and thus the stresses) are constant over the bar length.
Two adjacent bar elements have the same global nodal unknowns at their common node. That
means that they have the same global displacements at this node.

If a bar must be connected to another one, at least a common node must exist between the two bars.
For example, in the next figure, even if the "real" bar is continuous, it is necessary to idealize that
bar by three finite elements otherwise there will be no force transfer between that bar and the other
truss members connected over its length.

Finally, the 2-nodes bar element will give exact results if :
the loads are applied at the nodes
the bar is prismatic, that is, the cross-section A is constant over the length of the element.
If loads are applied between nodes, and replaced by work-equivalent nodal forces, it can be shown
that the nodal displacements will be exact.
This does not mean that, between the nodes, the displacements will be exact, nor the stresses.
Finite Elements Method The 2-nodes Beam Element page 23
Chapitre 2. The 2-nodes Beam Element
2.1 Introduction
The previous Chapter introduced the Principle of Virtual Work and the variational formulation of
nite elements, which was illustrated for the 2-nodes bar element. This Chapter applies that
technique to a more complicated one-dimensional element: the plane beam described by
engineering beam theory.
Mathematically, the main difference of beams with respect to bars is that both deections and
slopes are matched at nodal points. Slopes may be viewed as rotational degrees of freedom in the
small-displacement assumptions used here.
2.2 What Is A Beam?
Beams are the most common type of structural component, particularly in Civil and Mechanics
Engineering. A beam is a bar-like structural member whose primary function is to resists transverse
loads mainly through bending
17
action. By bar-like it is meant that one of the dimensions is
considerably larger than the other two. This dimension is called the longitudinal dimension or beam
axis. The intersection of planes normal to the longitudinal dimension with the beam member are
called cross sections.
2.3 Mathematical Models
One-dimensional mathematical models of structural beams are constructed on the basis of beam
theories. Because beams are actually three-dimensional bodies, all models necessarily involve
some form of approximation to the underlying physics.
The simplest and best known models for straight
18
, prismatic
19
beams are based on the Bernoulli-
Euler theory, also called classical beam theory or engineering beam theory, and the Timoshenko
beam theory. Both models can be used to formulate beam nite elements
2.3.1 Bernoulli-Euler Beam Model
The Bernoulli-Euler theory is that taught in Mechanics of Materials, and is the one emphasized in
this Chapter. The classical (Bernoulli-Euler) model assumes that the internal energy of beam
member is entirely due to bending strains and stresses. This model neglects transverse shear
deformations and cross-sections remain plane during deformation and perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis.
2.3.2 Timoshenko Beam Model
Elements based on Timoshenko beam theory, incorporate a rst order correction for
transverse shear effects and and cross-sections do not remain perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
during deformation.

2.4 Displacement field in a beam
At first sight, a beam element looks like a bar element : it has the same number of nodes (2 is the
most common) and looks like a "wire
20
". The difference lies in the DOF (degrees of freedom) :
the bar element has 1 DOF at each node : the axial displacement

17
flexion
18
Poutre droite = poutre dont l'axe longitudinal est une droite
19
Poutre prismatique = poutre de section droite constante
20
Fil de fer
the beam element has 3 DOF at each node : the axial displacement, the transverse
displacement and a rotation.

2
v
1
u
1
u
2
v
2

Because the effect of axial displacement, in a first order analysis, is independent of the effect of the
other two DOF, we can use the principle of superposition.

The effect of the axial displacements is the same as the one already studied in the 2-nodes bar
element, so we already know the shape functions for these DOF.

We will now concentrate our attention on the other two DOF's in what could be called the
simplified Bernoulli-Euler beam element.

2.5 Simplified Bernoulli-Euler Beam Element.
2.5.1 Kinematics

The motion of plane beam member in the x, y plane is described by the two dimensional
displacement eld

( , )
( , )
u x y
v x y

where u and v are the axial and transverse displacement components, respectively, of an
arbitrary beam material point whose coordinates are (x,y).

The motion in the z direction, which is primarily due to Poissons ratio effects, is of no interest.

Because of the normality (assumption cross-sections remain plane) of the classical (Bernoulli-
Euler) model we have ( ) , . ( ) u x y y x = (see next figure).

y
1 2
x
y
y
2
v
1
v
2
v(x)
x
(x)
u(x)=-y.(x)


If the displacements and rotations are small, it can be seen on the figure, that :

v(x,y) resumes to v(x) (any point in the cross-section has the same vertical
displacement), and
( ) , . ( ) .
dv
u x y y x y
dx
= (1)

Thus :
( ) , .
dv
u x y y
dx
= and
( )
1
2
1 2 3 4
1
2
( ), ( ), ( ), ( ) .
v
v
v x N x N x N x N x

=< >
`

)
(2)
2.5.2 Shape functions
To find the shape functions N
1
(x), N
4
(x), lets have a look at eq. (2) when v
1
=1 and
v
2
=
1
=
2
=0
( )
1 2 3 4 1
1
0
( ), ( ), ( ), ( ) . ( )
0
0
v x N x N x N x N x N x

=< > =
`

)

In other words, the function N
1
(x) is equal to the vertical displacement of the beam when
v
1
=1 and v
2
=
1
=
2
= 0.
(A similar conclusion can be drawn for the functions N
2
(x) to N
4
(x)).

If we choose a polynomial form for the shape functions, they will be on the form :

3 2
( ) . . .
i i i i i
N x a x b x c x d = + + + (3)

and the four coefficients a
i
d
i
can be determined from the four boundary conditions :
Example :

3 2
1 1 1 1 1
1
0
1
0
1
1
( ) . . .
( ) 1
( )
0
( ) 0
( )
0
x
x
x L
x L
N x a x b x c x d
N x
N x
x
N x
N x
x
=
=
=
=
= + + +
=

This can be done by hand (for each N
i
(x) : 4 equations of 4 unknowns a
i
d
i
) or by a symbolic
Computer Algebra System like "Mathematica" or the (free) open source "Maxima
21
" and the
recommended windows interface "wxMaxima
22
".

Maxima script to be loaded into wxMxima:
kill(all);
v(x):=a*x^3+b*x^2+c*x+d; /* v(x)=<N1,N2,N3,N4>{v1,v2,teta1,teta2) */
dd:diff(v(x),x);
dv(x):=''dd; /* first derivative of v

S1:[v(0)=1,v(L)=0,dv(0)=0,dv(L)=0];
solve(S1,[a,b,c,d]);
N1:ev(v(x),%[1]);

S2:[v(0)=0,v(L)=1,dv(0)=0,dv(L)=0];
N2:ev(v(x),%[1]);

S3:[v(0)=0,v(L)=0,dv(0)=1,dv(L)=0];
N3:ev(v(x),%[1]);

S4:[v(0)=0,v(L)=0,dv(0)=0,dv(L)=1];
N4:ev(v(x),%[1]);

Nv:matrix([N1,N2,N3,N4]);

And the last line gives the shape function vector <N> :

21
Maxima : http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=4933
22
wxMaxima : http://wxmaxima.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

The functions N
1
(x), N
4
(x) are plotted herebelow with L=1.

N
1
(x)

N
3
(x)

N
2
(x)

N
4
(x)

2.5.3 Strains
As for the 2 nodes-bar element, the stresses in a plane beam are uniaxial and parallel to the
longitudinal axis.
That means that,
( )
{ } { }
2 2
2 2
,
. . . .
du x y
d v d N
y y U B U
dx dx dx
< >
= = = =< >

where :
<B>=
2
2
.
d N
y
dx
< >
= is, as for the bar element, the Strain-Displacement Matrix

As <N> is a cubic in x (see eq. (3), after double derivation, it will remain, at most, a linear term in
x, thus the strains in a 2-nodes beam element are, at most, linear in x and y.

After calculations, the strain field is :
1
1
1
2
2 3 2 3 2 2
1
2
6 12. 6 12. 4 6. 2 6.
. , , , .
v
v
x x x x
y
L L L L L L L L

= < + + + >
`

)

As foreseen, the strains (and thus the stresses) are linear in x and y. This corresponds, in the
classical Mechanics of Materials theory to a beam with linear moment diagram.
The 2-nodes beam element will thus be exact if :
the beam is prismatic, that is, the cross-section A is constant over the length of the element.
2.5.4 Stiffness Matrix

The stiffness matrix is computed from the expression :

[ ] { }
. . .
V
K E B B dV = < >

Where :
2 3 2 3 2 2
6 12. 6 12. 4 6. 2 6.
. , , ,
x x x x
B y
L L L L L L L L
< >= < + + + >
After calculations, we find the stiffness matrix [ ]
K
:

2.5.5 Work-equivalent forces
What happens if there is a transverse uniform load applied between the nodes (positive if acting in
the same direction as the y axis)?
As for the 2-nodes bar element, that distributed load must be transformed in nodal loads that are
"work-equivalent".
The virtual external work of q(x) applied on a infinitesimal length dx, at the distance x is
( ). . ( ) q x dx v x
The total external work on the length L is :

( ). ( ).
E
L
W q x v x dx =

And the variation of external work for a virtual vertical displacement field ( ) v x
( ). ( ).
E
L
W q x v x dx =
= { } . ( ). .
L
U q x N dx < >


And the work-equivalent nodal force vector is thus determined by :

{ } { } ( ). .
L
F q x N dx =

Adding the following line to the previous wxMaxima script :

fe:integrate(transpose(Nv)*q,x,0,L);

gives the work-equivalent nodal force vector, for an uniform distributed load q :

y
x
L
qL/2
q
qL/12 qL/12
qL/2

2.5.6 Complete Plane Beam Element
If we superpose the 2-nodes bar element with the simplified Bernoulli-Euler Beam element, we
obtain the complete plane beam element, with 3 DOF/node : two displacements and one rotation.
2
v
1
u
1
u
2
v
2

2.5.7 Local Axes Global Axes Transformation Matrix
As for the 2-nodes bar element, we have to transform the local displacements in global
displacements : the equations of the axial displacements
1 1 1
.cos .sin
L G G
u u v = + and
2 2 2
.cos .sin
L G G
u u v = + are still valid, but we need to write the equations for transverse
displacements
1L
v and
2L
v .

Y
G
1
2
X
G
y L
x L
u
1G
v
1G
v 1
L

1 1 1
.sin .cos
L G G
v u v = +
2 2 2
.sin .cos
L G G
v u v = +

Combining all local displacements, we obtain :

{ }
1 1
2 2
1 1
2 2
1 1
2 2
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
. [ ].
0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 1
L G
L G
G L
G
G L
G L
G L
u u c s
u u c s
v v s c
T U
v v s c

(
(
(
(

= =
` ` (
(
(
(

) )

2.6 Spatial beam (3D)
This is the 3D version of the one we studied in this chapter. The spatial beam still has 2 nodes, but
each node has here 6 DOF (3 displacements and 3 rotations).
In order to define the orientation of the principal axes of inertia, a third point (sometimes called K
node) is necessary : it defines, with the other 2 nodes the x-y plane.
The following figure shows that additional node and the DOF in local and global axes.

2.7 Conclusions
In a 2-nodes beam element, the strains (and thus the stresses) are linear in x and y.

Two adjacent beam elements have the same nodal unknowns at their common node. That means
that they have the same displacements and rotations at this node, as if they were welded!
If a hinge must be modelized in a beam, software usually allows the user to activate a "release
23
" of
one or more DOF at a node.

The 2-nodes beam Euler-Bernoulli element will thus give exact
24
results if :
the beam is prismatic, that is, the cross-section A is constant over the length of the element.

If loads are applied between nodes, and replaced by work-equivalent nodal forces, it can be shown
that, as for the 2-nodes bar element, the nodal displacements will be exact.
This does not mean that, between the nodes, the displacements will be exact, nor the stresses.

23
relchement
24
With the limitation that shear deformations are neglected!

If the significant shear deformations are expected, the Timoshenko beam element is more suitable:
this is generally the case if the height of the beam is greater than about 1/5
th
of beam's span
25
.

25
porte
Finite Elements Method Dimensional Reduction page 32
Chapitre 3. Dimensional Reduction
3.1 Introduction
When carrying out a finite element analysis, the domain of the problem is divided (discretized) into
some sort of mesh. The problems we model are often 3D in nature, making the analysis so large that
computation time is lengthy and prohibitively expensive. In order that the analysis is carried out in
some sort of reasonable time, various methods of model reduction may be used.

Dimensional reduction or model order reduction techniques are often used to transform a complex
3D or 2D problem into a lower order 1D or 2D system respectively. By doing so, computation times
are significantly reduced, but in a way that does not compromise model accuracy. In dimensional
reduction, the finite element model makes use of elements of reduced dimension, such as bars,
beams, plates
26
and shells
27
.

The crux
28
of any model order reduction process is the removal of physical dimensions from the
governing equations and replacing them with parameters.
3.2 Reducing from 3D solid to Line (3D to 1D)
If part of the structure is long and slender, then it may be appropriate to use some sort of 1D
element in 3D space.
We have seen in the previous chapters, the simplest finite elements : the 2 nodes-bar element and
the 2-nodes plane beam element.
Line elements can represent 2D & 3D bars, beams, pipe structures and 2D models of 3D
axisymmetric shell structures. A Spar
29
, Rod
30
, pipe or truss
31
element is able to support forces in
the element direction only. These elements carry no rotations, so are limited in capability. Cable
elements can support tensile loads only. Beams can support rotational degrees of freedom and can
be used to model any type of cross-sectional profile. The cross-section properties are defined in the
description of the element (area, Ixx, Iyy, Ixy, J).
3.3 Reducing from 3D to a planar (2D) Analysis
Sometimes it is possible to represent the full 3D analysis on a plane. Then the third dimension is
input as a parameter such as a material thickness. There are three types of plane idealization
available to the analyst, plane stress, plane strain and axisymmetric.

3.3.1 Plane Stress
32

A problem can be described as plane stress if the stress is zero in the direction that is not being
modelled. The assumptions built into the formulation of plane stress elements are that the solid is of
uniform thickness and that this thickness is much less than the other two characteristic dimensions.
The Plane Stress State has an effect on the equation between stresses and strains (also called the
constitutive matrix). In Plane Stress State, we have :

26
plaques
27
coques
28
Point crucial, nud du problme
29
Poteau, mt
30
Bielle, tige
31
(poutre en) treillis
32
Etat plan de contrainte

2
1 0
. 1 0 .
1
1
0 0
2
x x
y y
xy xy
E

(
(
(
=
` `
(
) )
(

[ ].
x x
y PS y
xy xy
E

=
` `

) )

where
[ ]
2
1 0
. 1 0
1
1
0 0
2
PS
E
E
(
(
(
=
(
(

= constitutive matrix for Plane Stress
3.3.2 Plane Strain
33

A problem can be described as plane strain if the strain is zero in the direction that is not being
modelled. Plane strain analyses are used to model deep solids which cannot deform in the third
plane (e.g. retainer walls, tunnels, etc..) The assumptions built into the formulation of plane strain
elements are that the thickness is much greater than the other two characteristic dimensions.
The Plane Strain State has an effect on the equation between stresses and strains. In Plane Strain
State, we have :

( )( )

)
(
(
(
(
+
=
xy
y
x
xy
y
x
E
.
2
. 2 1
0 0
0 1
0 1
.
. 2 1 . 1

[ ]
xy
y
x
PD
xy
y
x
E
.

where [ ]
( )( )
(
(
(
(
+
=
2
. 2 1
0 0
0 1
0 1
.
. 2 1 . 1

E
E
PD
= constitutive matrix for Plane Strain

33
Etat plan de dformation

3.3.3 Axisymmetric
3D solids of revolution are generated by revolving a planar cross-
section. Therefore, axisymmetric elements are used to describe
and analyse the behaviour of this planar cross-section.
Axisymmetric simulations are generally only appropriate if the
geometry, loads and boundary conditions can be described as
axysymmetric (although an axisymmetric solid under a non-
axisymmetric load can be analysed by representing the load as a
Fourier series, separately calculating the response to each term
with the FE model, and superposing results during postprocessing).
An important point to note is that some commercial finite element
packages require that the axis of revolution coincides with the
global x or y axes (either one or the other, depends on the
software), and some let the user specify the axis of revolution.

The Axisymmetric Plane State of stress has an effect on the equation between stresses and strains.

We have :

( ) ( )
( )
(1 ) 0
(1 ) 0
.
(1 ) 0
0 0 0
:
1 . 1 2.
2. 1
r r
z z
zr zr
c c c
c c c
c c c
G
with
E
c
E
G

(
(

(
=
` `
(

(

) )
=
+
=
+

3.3.4 2D Finite Elements
In structural mechanics and in finite element software, at thin sheet of material are called
membranes, plates and shells.
The distance between the plate faces is called the thickness and denoted by h. The thickness should
be small, typically 10% or less, than the shortest in-plane dimension.
The midplane lies halfway between the two faces. The direction normal to the midplane is called
the transverse direction. Directions parallel to the midplane are called in-plane directions. The
global axis z will be oriented along the transverse direction.
Axes x and y are placed in the midplane, forming a right-handed Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate
(RCC) system. Thus the midplane equation is z = 0. See Figure 14.1.

a)Membranes
Membranes are plane elements respecting the following assumptions:
1. All loads applied to the element act in the midplane
direction, and are symmetric with respect to the midplane.
2. All support conditions are symmetric about the midplane.
3. In-plane displacements, strains and stresses can be taken to
be uniform through the thickness.
4. The material is homogeneous though the thickness. The last assumption excludes wall
constructions of importance in aerospace, in particular composite and honeycomb
34

plates. The development of models for such congurations requires a more complicated
integration over the thickness as well as the ability to handle coupled bending and
stretching effects, and will not be considered here.

Membrane elements may be used in plane stress, plane strain, axisymmetric or 3D analyses.
b)Plates
Plates are plane elements loaded exclusively by transverse
loads producing plate bending. Plates are usually used for
the idealization of floors, roofs.
Plates have bending properties only and so have one
displacement freedom in the transverse direction and two
rotation freedoms per node.

Plate elements may be used in plane stress or 3D analyses.
c)Shells
Shell elements are appropriate where the structure is in
presence of membrane stresses combined with bending
stresses. Moreover, shell elements may be curved in space,
and are sometimes considered as 2D element (surface
element in 3D space).

Shell elements usually have three displacement DOF per
node (one transverse and two in plane) and two rotation
DOF. Some shell element formulations also have a third
rotation DOF about the normal of the shell, this is often referred to the drilling DOF and is not used
very often in analyses.

34
Nid d'abeilles

Flat shell elements may be used in plane stress or 3D analyses while curved shells are only used in
3D analyses.

3.4 Combination of element types
A combination of different element types is always possible, but one must be careful to the
connections between elements, because they don't have the same DOF. For example, a spatial beam
element connected to a node of a solid element will be considered as a hinge, because the solid
element only has 3 displacements DOF, and the three rotations DOF of the beam cannot be
transmitted to the solid element.

Connection between a membrane element and a plane beam element requires special care because
the beam has two displacement DOF + one rotational DOF and the membrane only has two
displacement DOF. The discretization on the left will have the same effect as placing a hinge in A.
To transmit a moment from the beam to the membrane model, it is necessary to extend the beam a
least to node C.

Finite Elements Method Membrane Elements page 37
Chapitre 4. Membrane Elements
4.1 Displacement-Strain Relation
The strains in the membrane elements are related to the displacements by the following differential
equations :

x
u
x
u
x
=
y
v
y
v
y
=
y
u
x
v
y
u
x
v
xy
+ =
=
4.2 The Three Nodes Triangle Membrane Element T3
4.2.1 Description
This is the simplest membrane element.

The T3 membrane element has 2 DOF per node (2
displacements) and 3 nodes thus 6 nodal unknowns.

Let us assume, for the functions u(x,y) et v(x,y) ,
polynomials in x and y of the same degree. As there
are 6 nodal unknowns, we need 6 constants
i
to
determine the complete displacement field that will
be of the form :

( ) y . x . y , x u
3 2 1
+ + =
( ) y . x . y , x v
6 5 4
+ + =
(2)

These constants are determined with the boundary conditions at the nodes, for example at node 1
we must have u(0,0)=u1, thus
1 1
u =
4.2.2 Strains
Let us have a look to the strains
2 1
2 x
u u u
x a
= = =
3 1
6 y
v v v
y b
= = =
3 1 2 1
3 5 xy
u u v v u v
y x b a

= + = + = +

a
x,u
u
2
u
1
v
1
v
2
u
3
v
3
3
2 1
y,v
b
All strains are thus constant in the element!
4.2.3 Shape Functions
The shape functions can be determined by the same method as for the beam element but
here the polynomial, will be like :

( , ) . .
i i i i
N x y m x n y p = + + (3)

and the three coefficients m
i
p
i
can be determined from the three boundary conditions at the
nodes :
u(0,0)=1,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0;
u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=1,u(0,b)=0;
u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=1.

The maxima script is:
kill(all);
u(x,y):=m+n*x+p*y; /* model function */

dd:diff(u(x,y),x); /* first derivative of the function */
du(x):=''dd;

S1:[u(0,0)=1,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0]; /* boundary condition 1 at
node 1 */
solve(S1,[m,n,p]);
N1:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* first shape function */

node 2 */
solve(S2,[m,n,p]);
N2:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* second shape function */

node 3 */
solve(S3,[m,n,p]);
N3:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* third shape function */

N:transpose(matrix([N1,N2,N3]));

And the script gives the shape functions N1,N2,N3 :

Note :
The edge 1-3 of the element remains straight during deformation, because on this edge x=0, thus u
et v are only dependent on displacements of nodes 1 et 3. If an adjacent element shares the same
nodes 1 et 3, its edge will remain straight as well and the displacements of both elements along the
edge 1-3 will be compatible, that is there will be no gap between both elements edges.

The displacement field in the element is given by the two equations :
( )
1 1
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
3 3
1 0 0 0
,
[ ]. .
( , )
0 0 0 1
u u
u u
x y x y
u u u x y
a b a b
N
v x y x y v
v x y
a b a b
v v
v v

(

(

= = (
` ` `
( )

(

) )

4.2.4 Conclusions
The 2-D shape functions follow the same procedure as for 1-D :
If there are two or more components (e.g., u, v and w displacements) then the same
interpolation function is used for all components.
All strains are independent in x and y in the element. This is why this element is called
Constant Strain Triangle (CST). This element can only represent a constant strain field. If
the strain gradient is important, this property will oblige the user to refine the mesh
dramatically to get reliable results.
4.3 The Six Nodes Triangle Membrane Element T6
4.3.1 Description
The T3 membrane element has 2 DOF per node (2
polynomials in x and y of the same degree. As there
are 12 nodal unknowns, we need 12 constants
i
to
determine the complete displacement field that will
be of the form :

( )
2 2
1 2 3 4 5 6
, . . . . . . u x y x y x x y y = + + + + +

( )
2 2
7 8 9 10 11 12
, . . . . . . v x y x y x x y y = + + + + +

These constants are determined with the boundary
conditions at the nodes, for example at node 1 we
must have u(0,0)=u1, thus
1 1
u =
4.3.2 Strains

2 4 5
2. . .
x
u
x y
x
= = + +
9 11 12
. 2. .
y
v
x y
y
= = + +
a
x,u
u
2
u
1
v
1
u
4
v
4
u
5
u
6
v
6
v
5
v
2
u
3
v
3
3
2 1 4
5 6
y,v
b
( ) ( ) ( )
3 8 5 10 6 11
2. . 2. .
xy
u v
x y
y x

= + = + + + + +
This element is thus able to show strains fields linear in x and y.

The shape functions can be determined by the same method as for the T3 element but
here the polynomial, will be like :
( , ) . . . . .
i i i i i i i
N x y m n x p y q xy r x s y = + + + + + (3)

and the six coefficients m
i
s
i
can be determined from the six boundary conditions at the nodes :

u(0,0)=1,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2)=0;
u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=1,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2)=0;
u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=1,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2)=0
;
u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=1,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2)=0
;
u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=1,u(0,b/2)=0
;
u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2)=1
.


kill(all);
u(x,y):=m+n*x+p*y+q*x*y+r*x^2+s*y^2; /* model function */

S1:[u(0,0)=1,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2
)=0]; /* boundary condition 1 at node 1 */
solve(S1,[m,n,p,q,r,s]);
N1:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* first shape function */

S2:[u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=1,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2
N2:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* second shape function */

S3:[u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=1,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2
N3:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* third shape function */

S4:[u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=1,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2
N4:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* fourth shape function */

S5:[u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=1,u(0,b/2
N5:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* fifth shape function */

S6:[u(0,0)=0,u(a,0)=0,u(0,b)=0,u(a/2,0)=0,u(a/2,b/2)=0,u(0,b/2
N6:ev(u(x,y),%[1]); /* sixth shape function */

N:transpose(factor(matrix([N1,N2,N3,N4,N5,N6])));

And the script gives the shape functions N1,N2,N3,N4,N5,N6 :

4.3.4 Conclusions
All strains are linear in x and y in the element. This is why this element is called Linear
Strain Triangle (LST). This element can only represent, at most, a linear strain field. If the
strain gradient is severe, this property will oblige the user to refine the mesh to get reliable
results.

4.4 The Four Nodes Quadrilateral Membrane Element Q4
4.4.1 Description
The Q4 membrane element has 2 DOF per node (2

polynomials in x and y of the same degree.

As there are 8 nodal unknowns, we need 4 terms in the
polynomial describing u(x,y) and 4 terms in the
polynomial describing v(x,y).

From Pascal's triangle, the four terms will be choosen
to have the complete displacement field like:

y x y x u . . . .
4 3 2 1
+ + + =
y x y x v . . . .
8 7 6 5
+ + + =

1
x y
x
2
xy y
2

x
3
x
2
y xy
2
y
3

x
4
x
3
y x
2
y
2
xy
3
y
4

x
5
x
4
y x
3
y
2
x
2
y
3
xy
4
y
5

Terms of Q4 element in Pascal's Triangle

These constants
i
are determined with the boundary conditions at the nodes, for example at node 1
we must have u(-a,-b)=u1.
4.4.2 Strains

2 4
.
x
u
y
x
= = + (constant in x and linear in y)

7 8
.
y
v
x
y
= = + (constant in y and linear in x)

( )
3 6 4 8
. .
xy
u v
x y
y x

= + = + + + (linear in x and y)
It is usual to make a double variable change, in order to be independent of the dimensions "a" and
"b" of the element :
We introduce two non-dimensional variables , such that :
2a
x,u
u
3
v
3
3
u
2
v
2
2
y,v
2
b
u
1
v
1
1
u
4
v
4
4
x
a
y
b
=
=

These two variables are thus both varying between -1 and +1.

The shape functions will be like :

( , )
i i i i i
N m n p q = + + +

and the four coefficients m
i
q
i
can be determined from the four boundary conditions at the nodes :
u(-1,-1)=1,u(1,-1)=0,u(1,1)=0, u(-1,1)=0;
u(-1,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=1,u(1,1)=0, u(-1,1)=0;
u(-1,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(1,1)=1, u(-1,1)=0;
u(-1,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(1,1)=0, u(-1,1)=1.

kill(all);
u(xi,eta):=m+n*xi+p*eta+q*xi*eta;

S1:[u(-1,-1)=1,u(1,-1)=0,u(1,1)=0, u(-1,1)=0];
solve(S1,[m,n,p,q]);
N1:factor(ev(u(xi,eta),%[1]));
wxplot3d(N1, [xi,-1,1], [eta,-1,1],['grid, 10, 10]);

S2:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=1,u(1,1)=0, u(-1,1)=0];

S3:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(1,1)=1, u(-1,1)=0];

S4:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(1,1)=0, u(-1,1)=1];

N:transpose(matrix([N1,N2,N3,N4]));
And the shape function vector is :

The script gives also a 3D plot of the shape functions. For example, the plot of N
3
(,) is :

4.4.4 Element stiffness
It can be shown that the Q4 finite element is too stiff when bended in its plane.
Under pure bending, the bending
35
deformation of a rectangular area is shown on the left figure.
The Q4 element doesn't deform like that : its four edges remain straight like drawn on the right
picture:

The moment M
2
necessary to deform the Q4 element in such a way that
2
=
1
is equal to :
1
2
2
M
b
a
2
1
1
1
1
1
M
(
(
\
|
+
+
=

Thus M
2
is always > M
1
and the Q4 element is thus too stiff (especially if a>>b ! So it's a good idea
to keep an aspect ratio 1 (aspect ratio = ratio of the greatest dimension of the element to the
smallest dimension).

35
flexion

4.5 The Q6 "Incompatible" Finite Element
One solution to compensate the too high stiffness of the Q4 element
is to consider additional internal displacement (=bubble modes
36
)
describing constant curvature modes. This is what does the Q6
element present in some FEM softwares like ALGOR.

The magnitude of those modes is determined by minimizing the
internal strain energy in the element. Such elements are called Q6
even though externally, they still have 4 nodes like the Q4.

One consequence of these internal modes is that the edges of two
adjacent elements may have different curvatures, and thus the
displacement field along this common edge may be incompatible.
This is why this element is also called "incompatible". This
incompatibility is illustrated on the next figure

4.6 The Height Nodes Quadrilateral Membrane Element Q8
4.6.1 Description

polynomials in x and y of the same degree.

As there are 16 nodal unknowns, we need 8 terms in
the polynomial describing u(x,y) and 8 terms in the

From Pascal's triangle, the eight terms will be
choosen to have the complete displacement field like:
xy y x y xy x y x u
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
+ + + + + + + =
xy y x y xy x y x v
16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9
+ + + + + + + =

1
x y
x
2
xy y
2

36
modes bulles
2a
x,u
u
3
v
3
3
u
2
v
2
2
u
6
v
6
6
u
7
v
7
7
u
8
v
8
8
u
5
v
5
5
y,v
2
b
u
1
v
1
1
u
4
v
4
4
x
3
x
2
y xy
2
y
3

x
4
x
3
y x
2
y
2
xy
3
y
4

x
5
x
4
y x
3
y
2
x
2
y
3
xy
4
y
5

Terms of Q8 element in Pascal's Triangle

These constants
i
are determined with the boundary conditions at the nodes, for example at node 1
we must have u(-a,-b)=u1.
4.6.2 Strains

2
2 4 5 7 8
2 . . 2 . .
x
u
x y xy y
x
= = + + + + (linear in x and quadratic in y)

2
11 13 14 15 16
. 2 . . 2 .
y
v
x y x xy
y
= = + + + + (linear in y and quadratic in x)

( ) ( ) ( )
2 2
3 10 5 13 6 12 7 16 8 15
. . 2 . . . . 2 .
xy
u v
x y y x x y xy
y x

= + = + + + + + + + + +
(quadratic in x and y)
We will express the shape functions in terms of two non-dimensional variables , we introduced in
the Q4 element :
x
a
y
b
=
=


2 2 2 2
( , )
i i i i i i i i i
N a b c d e f g h = + + + + + + +

and the eight coefficients a
i
h
i
can be determined from the eight boundary conditions at the nodes.

kill(all);
u(xi,eta):=a+b*xi+c*eta+d*xi^2+e*eta^2+f*xi*eta+g*xi*eta^2+h*eta*xi^2;

S1:[u(-1,-1)=1,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0];
solve(S1,[a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h]);

S2:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=1,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0];

S3:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=1];

S4:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-1,1)=1,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0];

S5:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=1,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0];

S6:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=1,u(-1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0];

S7:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-1,1)=0,u(0,1)=1,u(1,1)=0];

S8:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=1,u(1,0)=0,u(-1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0];

N:transpose(matrix([N1,N2,N3,N4,N5,N6,N7,N8]));
And the shape function vector {N} is :

The plot of the shape functions N3 and N6 are given herebelow as examples :

N3 shape function

N6 shape function

4.7 The Nine Nodes Quadrilateral Membrane Element Q9
4.7.1 Description
This is another popular finite element present in
many FEM softwares.

Once again, let us assume, for the functions u(x,y) et
v(x,y) , polynomials in x and y of the same degree.

As there are 18 nodal unknowns, we need 9 terms in
the polynomial describing u(x,y) and 9 terms in the

From Pascal's triangle, the nine terms will be choosen to have the complete displacement field like:
2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 17
u x y x xy y x y xy x y = + + + + + + + +
2
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18
v x y x xy y x y xy x y = + + + + + + + +

1
x y
x
2
xy y
2

x
3
x
2
y xy
2
y
3

x
4
x
3
y x
2
y
2
xy
3
y
4

x
5
x
4
y x
3
y
2
x
2
y
3
xy
4
y
5

4.7.2 Strains
2 2
2 4 5 7 8 17
2 2 2
x
u
x y xy y xy
x
= = + + + + +

2a
x,u
u
3
v
3
3
u
2
v
2
2
u
6
v
6
6
u
7
v
7
7
u
8
v
8
8
u
5
v
5
5
u
9
v
9
9
y,v
2
b
u
1
v
1
1
u
4
v
4
4
2 2
11 13 14 15 16 18
2 2 2
y
v
x y x xy x y
y
= = + + + + +

( )
2
3 10 12 5 6 13 7 8 15
2 2 2
16 17 18
(2 ) (2 ) (2 2 )
2 2
xy
u v
x y x xy
y x
y x y xy

= + = + + + + + + + + +
+ +

We will express, once more, the shape functions in terms of two non-dimensional variables , we
introduced in the Q4 element :
x
a
y
b
=
=


2 2 2 2 2 2
( , )
i i i i i i i i i i
N a b c d e f g h i = + + + + + + + + +

and the nine coefficients a
i
i
i
can be determined from the nine boundary conditions at the nodes.

kill(all);
u(xi,eta):=a+b*xi+c*eta+d*xi^2+e*eta^2+f*xi*eta+g*xi*eta^2+h*eta*xi^2+i*eta^2*xi^2;

S1:[u(-1,-1)=1,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=0];
solve(S1,[a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i]);

S2:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=1,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=0];

S3:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=1,u(0,0)=0];

S4:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=1,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=0];

S5:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=1,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=0];

S6:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=1,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=0];

S7:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=1,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=0];

S8:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=1,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=0];

S9:[u(-1,-1)=0,u(0,-1)=0,u(1,-1)=0,u(-1,0)=0,u(1,0)=0,u(-
1,1)=0,u(0,1)=0,u(1,1)=0,u(0,0)=1];

N:transpose(matrix([N1,N2,N3,N4,N5,N6,N7,N8,N9]));
And the shape function vector {N} is :

The plot of the shape functions N3, N6 and N9 are given herebelow as examples :

N3 shape function


N6 shape function

N9 shape function

Finite Elements Method Iso-Parametric Elements and Numerical Integration page 54
Chapitre 5. Iso-Parametric Elements and Numerical
Integration
5.1 Iso-Parametric Elements
Because the geometry of general 2D problems can't be modelled only by right-angled triangles and
rectangles, distorted triangles and quadrilaterals finite elements are necessary.

The isoparametric formulation makes it possible to have nonrectangular elements, elements with
curved sides, "infinite" elements for unbounded media, and singularity elements for fracture
mechanics.

Here we discuss only the four-node plane quadrilateral Q4. Other isoparametric elements have more
nodes and more shape functions but are very similar in that they use the same concepts and
computational procedures.

An auxiliary coordinate system must be introduced in order that a quadrilateral may be
nonrectangular. This system, called , in Fig. 6.1, is a "natural" coordinate system.

Fig. 6.1 :Q4 element in and "natural" coordinates and in global X,Y coordinates

Its origin in global coordinates XY is at the average of the comer coordinates. In natural coordinates
, , element sides are always defined by =1 and =1, regardless of the shape or physical size
of the element or its orientation in global coordinates XY. in general, axes and are not
orthogonal and they have no particular orientation with respect to axes X and Y. Coordinates of a
point within the element are defined by :
{ }
{ }
.
.
x N X
y N Y
= < >
= < >

Where {X} and {Y} are the X and Y coordinates of the 4 nodes.
The <N> vector is the same as the shape vector we used for the displacement interpolation within
the Q4 element :
( )( ) ( )( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
1 2
3 4
1 1
1 1 1 1
4 4
1 1
1 1 1 1
4 4
N N
N N

= = +
= + + = +

Given and coordinates of a point we can calculate its x and y coordinates.
Displacements of a point are interpolated from nodal d.o.f. by use of the same shape functions:
{ } { } . . u N U v N V = < > = < >
Displacements u and v are parallel to X and Y axes, not and axes.

The name "isoparametric" derives from use of the same shape functions to interpolate both
coordinates and displacements.

In order to write the strain-displacement matrix B we must establish the relation between gradients
in the two coordinate systems.
Consider one of these gradients, the strain
x
u
x
= . We cannot immediately write the result

because u is declined as a function of and rather than as a function of X and Y. We must start by
differentiating with respect to and , and use the chain rule:
u u X u Y
X Y
u u X u Y
X Y

= +
= +

What can be written :
[ ]
u X Y
u u
X X
J
u X Y u u
Y Y

(

(

(
= =
` ` `
(

(

) )
)

Where [J] is the Jacobian matrix.

The integral needed to calculate the element stiffness
= dV EB B k
T
is transformed in
1 1
1 1
. . .
T T
k B EBdV B EB J t
+ +

= =

The principle of the iso-parametric formulation can be extended to curved edges elements when
intermediate edge nodes are present :


Fig. 6.2

The analytical integration of the element stiffness
1 1
1 1
. . .
T
k B EB J t
+ +

=

or the work-
equivalent force vector may become very difficult, or impossible. The only way to estimate these
integrals is to do a numerical integration.
5.2 Numerical Integration
5.2.1 1D integration
Idea : the analytical integral of the function is replaced by a finite sum of n weighted terms
representing the numerical integration
( ) ( )
1
1
1
. .
n
i i
i
I d W
=
= =

Where :
( )
is the function to integrate,

( )
1
1
. d
is the analytical integral,

( )
1
.
n
i i
i
W
=
is the numerical integral,

i
W
are the weighting coefficients of the numerical integration,

( )
i
the values of ( ) at the integration points.

The most common numerical integration is the GAUSS quadrature or GAUSS integration:
the following figures illustrate the Gauss quadrature of a function with 1, 2 or 3 integration
points.


It can be shown that a Gauss quadrature with n
G
integration points can give the same value as
an analytical integration if the function is a polynomial of degree 2.n
G
1 or less.

Examples : if n
G
= 2 max degree of the polynomial = 3 for exact numerical
integration

if n
G
= 3 max degree of the polynomial= 5 for exact numerical integration

5.2.2 Conclusion
The numerical integration brings a third source of error in the FEM.

5.2.3 2D and 3D integration
The quadrature rule can be extended for multi-dimensional integration.

It is common practice to use an order 2 Gauss rule (four points) to integrate [K] of four- and eight-
node plane elements, and common practice to compute strains and stresses at these same points.
Similarly, three-dimensional elements often use eight Gauss points for stiffness integration and
stress calculation.
( ) ( )
1 1
1 1
1 1
, . . ,
j i
n n
i j i j
i j
I d d WW

= =
= =


5.2.4 Choice Of Quadrature Rule. Instabilities
A FEM model is usually inexact, and usually it errs by being too stiff (see Chapter 5).
Overstiffness
37
is usually made worse by using more Gauss points to integrate element stiffness
matrices because additional points capture more higher-order terms in k. These terms resist some
deformation modes that lower-order terms do not, and therefore act to stiffen an element.
Accordingly, greater accuracy in the integration of [K] usually produces less accuracy in the FE
solution,in addition to requiring more computation.

On the other hand, use of too few Gauss points produces a situation known by various names:
instability, spurious singular mode, mechanism and kinematic mode,zero-energy mode,and
hourglass mode.

Instability occurs if one or more deformation modes happen to display zero strain at all Gauss
points.

One must regard Gauss points as strain sensors. If Gauss points sense no strain under a certain
deformation mode, the resulting k will have no resistance to that deformation mode.

5.2.5 Exercise
Dashed lines in the sketch show independent displacement modes of a four-node rectangular
membrane element having two displacement d.o.f. per node. Which of these modes are associated
with strain energy in the element and which are not? Answer for each of the following situations.
(a) strain energy is integrated analytically.
(b) strain energy is integrated by one Gauss point.
(c) strain energy is integrated by four Gauss points.

(Indication : the strain energy of an element is proportional to dV
, thus if the strain is zero at

all Gauss points, the strain energy of the element will be zero! Write the expressions of u and v for
each deformation mode. Then deduce the strains at Gauss points.)

37
Sur-raideur
Finite Elements Method 3D Solids and Solids of Revolution page 59
Chapitre 6. 3D Solids and Solids of Revolution
This chapter considers solid elements, first for the general 3D case, then for the special (but very
common) case of axial symmetry.
6.1 3D Solids
6.1.1 INTRODUCTION
The term "solid" is used to mean a three-dimensional solid that is unrestricted as to shape, loading,
material properties, and boundary conditions. A consequence of this generality is that all six
possible stresses (three normal and three shear) must be taken into account (Fig.). Also, the
displacement field involves all three possible components, u, v, and w.

Fig. 7.1.

Typical finite elements for 3D solids are tetrahedra and hexahedra. with three translational d.o.f. per
node. Figure 7.1 shows a hexahedral element.
Problems of beam bending, plane stress, plates, and so on, can all be regarded as special cases of a
3D solid. Why then not simplify FE analysis by using 3D elements to model everything?

In fact, this would not be a simplification. 3D models are the hardest to prepare, the most tedious to
check for errors, and the most demanding of computer resources.
6.1.2 Stress-Strain relations :
3D Hooke's law becomes here :

( )
( )
( )
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
zx
yz
xy
z
y
x
zx
yz
xy
z
y
x
G
G
G
c c c
c c c
c c c
.
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 . 1 . .
0 0 0 . . 1 .
0 0 0 . . . 1

where
( )( ) . 2 1 . 1 +
=
E
c and
( ) +
=
1 . 2
E
G

{ } [ ]{ } E =
6.1.3 Interpolation of the Displacements within an element (Shape functions)

(
(
(
...
.
... 0 0 0 0
... 0 0 0 0
... 0 0 0 0
2
2
2
1
1
1
2 1
2 1
2 1
w
v
u
w
v
u
N N
N N
N N
w
v
u

6.1.4 Strain-Displacement Relations :

x
u
x
=
y
v
y
=
z
w
z
=

x
v
y
u
xy
+ =
y
w
z
v
yz
+ =
x
w
z
u
xz
+ =
And if we group all the strain component in a vector, we can write : { } [ ] { } . B U =
6.1.5 Stiffness Matrix Calculation

[ ] [ ][ ]
=
V
T
dV B E B k . . .

where [ ] B is defined by { } [ ] { } . B U =
6.1.6 Solid Finite Elements
Most solid elements are direct extensions of plane elements discussed in Chapter 5. The extensions
consist of adding another coordinate and another displacement component. The behaviour and the
limitations of specific 3D elements largely parallel those of their 2D counterparts (see table). To
illustrate this we present hereafter a table of correspondence and we shortly develop the 4 nodes
Tetraedron.

dimension : 3.n

where n = number of nodes.

Plane elements Solid elements
CST (Constant Strain Triangle) = T3
a
x,u
u
2
u
1
v
1
v
2
u
3
v
3
3
2 1
y,v
b

"Constant Strain Tetraedron" : 4 nodes Tetraedron

LST (Linear Strain Triangle) = T6
a
x,u
u
2
u
1
v
1
u
4
v
4
u
5
u
6
v
6
v
5
v
2
u
3
v
3
3
2 1 4
5 6
y,v
b

"Linear Strain Tetraedron" : 10 nodes Tetraedron.

"Bilinear Quadrilateral" = Q4
2a
x,u
u
3
v
3
3
u
2
v
2
2
y,v
2
b
u
1
v
1
1
u
4
v
4
4

"Trilinear Hexaedron" : 8 nodes Hexaedron.

" Quadratic Quadrilateral" = Q8
2a
x,u
u
3
v
3
3
u
2
v
2
2
u
6
v
6
6
u
7
v
7
7
u
8
v
8
8
u
5
v
5
5
y,v
2
b
u
1
v
1
1
u
4
v
4
4

"Quadratic Hexaedron" : brique 20 nuds.

6.1.7 Example of the Constant Strain Tetrahedron

This element has three translational d.o.f. at each of its four nodes, for a
total of 12 d.o.f. In terms of generalized coordinates . its displacement
field is

u=
1
+
2
x+
3
y+
4
z
v=
5
+
6
x+
7
y+
8
z
w=
9
+
10
x+
11
y+
12
z

Like the constant strain triangle, the constant strain tetrahedron is accurate only when strains are
almost constant over the span of an element. The element is poor at representing fields of bending
or twisting if the axis of bending or twisting either intersects the element or is close to it.

6.2 Solids of Revolution
The z axis is an axis of symmetry. The elements are drawn in a radial plane. Because of the
symmetry around z it is useless to draw the symmetric part (r<0).

Fig. 7.2.

6.2.1 Stress-Strain relations :
As already seen in the chapter 4, we have here :
( ) ( ) ( )
(1 ) 0
(1 ) 0
.
(1 ) 0
0 0 0
:
1 . 1 2. 2. 1
r r
z z
zr zr
c c c
c c c
c c c
G
with
E E
c G

(
(

(
=
` `
(

(

) )
= =
+ +

6.2.2 Strain-Displacement Relations
r
u
r
=
z
w
z
=
zr
w u
r z

= +
u
r
=

The tangential strain is deduced from the figure 7.3:

Fig. 7.3.

6.2.3 Example of the T3 axisymmetric element
For a T3 axisymmetric element, we have :
( )
1 2 3
, . . u r z r z = + +
( )
4 5 6
, . . w r z r z = + +

Thus the strains are :
2 r
u
r
= =
6 z
w
z
= =
1 2 3 1
2 3
. .
.
r z z
r r r

+ +
= = + +
5 3 zr
w u
r z

= + = +

Remarks.
1. To prevent singularity of K, boundary conditions on a 3D solid must suppress six rigid-body
motions: translation along, and rotation about, each of the three coordinate axes.
In a solid of revolution with axisymmetric deformations, translation w along the z axis is the
only possible rigid-body motion. Accordingly, K will be nonsingular if w is prescribed at
only one node (or, stated more properly, around one nodal circle).
2. An axisymmetric radial component of load is statically equivalent to zero, but this does not
mean that it can be discarded from the load vector. It still produces deformation and stress.
Over the circumference, a radial line load of q units of force per unit of (circumferential)
length is regarded as contributing a radial force 2rq of units to the load vector, where r is
the radius at which q acts. Likewise, a moment of M N.m per unit of (circumferential)
length is statically equivalent to zero but is regarded as applying a moment about the
direction of 2rM N.m.

6.2.4 Exercise 7-1
This exercise is similar to the one of Chapter 6, but this time we consider a Q4 axisymmetric
element.
Which of the displacement modes illustrated on fig.7.4. are associated with strain energy in the
element and which are not? Answer for each of the following situations.
(a) strain energy is integrated analytically.
(b) strain energy is integrated by one Gauss point.
(c) strain energy is integrated by four Gauss points.

Fig. 7.4.

6.2.5 Exercise 7-2
Fig. 7.5 represents in dashed lines the displacement mode of an axisymmetric T3 element :

Fig. 7.5

.
Calculate the strains for that displacement mode.
6.2.6 Exercise 7-3
Fig. 7.6 represents the model of an axisymmetric structure.
a) does the structure have enough supports to avoid any mechanism?
b) draw a 3D-sketch of the structure with the loads and supports.

Fig. 7.6

r,u
z,w
p
r,u
z,w
u
0
u
0

Finite Elements Method Plates and Shells page 65
Chapitre 7. Plates and Shells
7.1 Plate Elements
7.1.1 Introduction
A plate can be regarded as the two-dimensional analogue of a beam. Beams and plates both carry
transverse loads by bending action, but they have significant differences. A beam can be straight or
curved, a plate is flat (a curved geometry would make it a shell).

Fig. 8.1

A beam typically has a single bending moment; a plate has two bending moments (M
x
and M
y
) and
a twisting
38
moment M
xy
. Moreover, plates moments are expressed by unit width (for example in
kN.m/m)
Note that in plate theory, M
x
is defined as the bending moment caused by the
x
stresses and
not the moment around the x axis! All FEM softwares use that convention which can be
confusing if you don't remember it.
7.1.2 Thin-Plate (Kirchhoff) Theory.
Consider a plate of thickness t. Plate surfaces are at z=+/- t/2 and the plate "midsurface
39
" is in the
plane xy at z=0 (Fig. 8.1).
A differential slice cut from the plate by planes perpendicular to the x axis is shown in Fig. 8.2 (a).

Fig. 8.2 (a) Fig. 8.2 (b)

38
torsion
39
Feuillet moyen

Loading causes the plate to have transverse displacement w = w(x, y) in the z direction. The
differential slice moves to the position shown in Fig. 8.2-(b), with right angles preserved in cross
sections because transverse shear deformation is neglected. Thus
yz
=0 and
zx
=0.
An arbitrary point P has displacement - .( )
w
u z
x
in the x direction.
An analogous argument with a differential slice cut from the plate by parallel planes normal to the y
axis yields - .( )
w
v z
y
as the y-direction displacement of point P.

7.1.3 Degrees of Freedom:
Fig. 8.3 shows a quadrilateral plate element and the three DOF associated to each node: 2 rotations
and one transverse displacement.
z
w
2
w
3
w
4
w
1

Fig. 8.3

7.1.4 Displacement field

x
w
z u
. =
y
w
z v
. =
( )
3
12
3
11
3
10
3
9
2
8
2
7
2
6 5
2
4 3 2 1
xy y x
x y y x
xy y xy
x y x x w

+ +
+ + +
+ + +
+ + + =

2
2
.
x
w
z
x
u
x
= =

2
2
.
y
w
z
y
v
y
= =

1
x y
x
2
xy y
2

x
3
x
2
y xy
2
y
3

x
4
x
3
y x
2
y
2
xy
3
y
4

x
5
x
4
y x
3
y
2
x
2
y
3
xy
4
y
5

Terms of Q4 plate element in Pascal's Triangle

2
2. .
xy
u v w
z
y x x y

= + =

0 = =
yz xz

7.1.5 Thick-Plate (Mindlin) Theory
This theory takes into account the shear deformation. The right angles are thus not preserved
anymore in cross sections. Thus
yz
0 and
zx
0 (fig. 8.4).

Fig. 8.4

x
z
x
u
y
x
. = = deformations
x
linear in z direction.

y
z
y
v
x
y
. = = deformations
y
linear in z direction.

|
|
\
|
= + =
x y
z
x
v
y
u
x
y
xy
.

In summary :
Element Type

Beam Plate

Shear deformation
neglected
BERNOULLI KIRCHHOFF
Right angles are preserved in
cross-sections
Shear deformation
taken into account
TIMOSHENKO MINDLIN
Right angles are NOT preserved
in cross-sections

Finite Elements Method page 68
7.2 Shell Elements
7.2.1 Introduction
The geometry of a shell is defined by its thickness and its midsurface, which may be a curved
surface in space.
Load is carried by a combination of membrane action and bending action. A thin shell can be very
strong if membrane action dominates, in the same way that an arch can carry great load if
compression is predominant in the arch.

However, no shell is completely free of bending stresses. They appear at or near point
loads, line loads, reinforcements, junctures, changes of curvature, and supports.

7.2.2 Shell Elements.
The most direct way to obtain a shell element is to combine a membrane element and a bending
element. Thus a simple quadrilateral shell element can be obtained by combining the Q4 plane
membrane element with the plate bending quadrilateral of Fig. 8.3 (a).
The resulting element is flat and has five d.o.f. per node : three displacements and two rotations
(Fig. 8.5 (b)).
But shells are more often curved in space. The formulation of such curved shells may become very
complex and will not be developed here.

Fig. 8.5 (a) Fig. 8.5 (b)

In summary :

Plate Elements Are always plane
Carry bending and twisting actions
but no membrane actions.
Shell Elements
May be plane or curved in
space
Carry bending, twisting and
membrane actions.

Finite Element Method

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Institut Gramme LIEGE January 2010

Dr. Ir. P. BOERAEVE

is the element stiffness matrix

= = + (constant in x and linear in y)

= = + (constant in y and linear in x)

= = + + + + (linear in x and quadratic in y)

= = + + + + (linear in y and quadratic in x)

= . We cannot immediately write the result

is the numerical integral,

, thus if the strain is zero at

as the y-direction displacement of point P.

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